Mace oversees delivery of new ArcelorMittal Orbit 178 meter slide
The ArcelorMittal Orbit, a monument to the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted by London, boasts a new 178 meter slide. The slide, which opened last month, provides vistas on London’s skyline as well as 12 twists and turns and speeds of 15 miles per hour.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is the UK’s largest piece of public art, standing at 114.5 metres. The work was created by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, and the construction was overseen by Arup, back in 2012. The monument represents a permanent lasting legacy of London’s hosting of the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The art work is climbable, and provides a viewing platform with vistas across Olympic Park and London more widely.
The work has had mixed reviews, both regarding its artistic as well as functional merit. Last year it was announced that plans had been tabled to partly repurpose the work as the world’s largest slide. Mace was appointed to lead the design, procurement, construction and completion of the slide’s construction. The professional services firm ran a feasibility study, focused on developing the slide in such a way that it fits in seamlessly with the wider work, as well as develop an enjoyable ride for people.
The slide’s design has been completed and winds down through 178 meters from a height of 78 meters. Twisting and turning 12 times, through light and dark sections, the slide provides extensive vistas on the London skyline. The slide itself is made of 800mm diameter by 3mm thick stainless steel tubes cut into 30 sections.
The new slide opened on the 24th of June, and the cost of a ticket is set at £10 for unlimited entry for 365 days from first use.
Derry Power, Mace Project Manager at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, says: “This iconic project is not only going to provide another fun destination for the local community and visitors at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, but shows great collaboration between artists, designers, engineers, project managers and specialist contractors. The collaborative project team has worked tirelessly to design, develop and install a slide which will symbolise a lasting legacy at the park for years to come.”
Peter Tudor, Director of Visitor Services, London Legacy Development Corporation, says: “After taking in the incredible views of the city from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, what better way to descend the UK’s tallest public artwork than by whizzing down a slide? This will be one of the most exciting things to do in London – and yet another reason to visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”
